Cost of Living: Sioux Falls, SD vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Sioux Falls

South Dakota
78
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Sioux Falls is 4% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$993/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 16%
$74,714/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 18%
$271,400 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 4%
$1,122/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ≈ Same
197,642
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
4.2%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.28%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

15.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sioux Falls, SD and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Sioux Falls, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $13,686/year higher in Sioux Falls. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sioux Falls is $271,400 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sioux Falls vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Sioux Falls or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sioux Falls is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sioux Falls and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Sioux Falls is $993/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Sioux Falls or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $74,714 in Sioux Falls and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $13,686/year higher in Sioux Falls.
How do taxes compare between South Dakota and Tennessee?
South Dakota has 0% income tax, 4.2% sales tax, and 1.28% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Sioux Falls or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Sioux Falls has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $993/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sioux Falls details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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